Beg Me

Beg Me is the kind of fake‑dating romance that struts in with attitude and refuses to be quiet about it. Markie and Jory have a dynamic that snaps from the very first page - sharp banter, stubborn pride, and that “I absolutely do not like you… but also I kind of do” vibe that makes every interaction feel charged (at least from her side).

Their partnership starts as pure convenience: she needs a pickleball partner with actual backbone, and he needs help for Gus, who steals scenes like it’s his full‑time job. But somewhere between late‑night practices, small‑town gossip, and the two of them pretending they’re not getting attached, things shift. You can feel it in the way they talk, the way they show up for each other, the way they keep circling closer without meaning to.

Markie’s determination meets Jory’s steady, quietly protective energy, and suddenly this “simple arrangement” is anything but. It’s fun, it’s bold, it’s full of personality - and watching them slide from reluctant allies to something undeniably real is the best part.

If you love fake dating with bite, small‑town meddling, and a single dad who brings heart to every scene, this one hits the spot.

Deb

315 reviews6 followers

I absolutely love the double entendre of the title phrase in this book that starts out referencing pickleball but actually means something much more intimate.

In true Adriana Locke fashion, these characters wrap themselves around the reader’s heart. Gus totally steals the book, but Jory and Markie are so relatable I found myself invested from the very first page.

The cameos and text chains featuring characters from the earlier books in this series enhance the world building. Sugar Creek is everyone’s favorite small town where privacy doesn’t exist and relationship status is updated before breakfast.

This book is perfect for fans of small-town, fake dating, single Dad and sports tropes. This series can be read in any order, but I’d recommend starting with Play Me and reading them all. I promise they’re worth begging for.

I received an advance copy from the author which did not impact my review.

Alli Carlson

285 reviews57 followers

This series has been so fun because every book feels a little different while still staying connected. Beg Me gives us small-town romance, professional sports romance, found family, humor, grief, and one very swoony single dad rugby player named Jory.

Markie is fiery, competitive, heartbroken, and determined to win her town’s pickleball tournament after her cheating ex decides to compete with the woman he left her for. Enter Jory: hot, protective, thoughtful, and very interested in becoming both her pickleball partner and something more.

Their banter was fun, the chemistry was immediate, and Jory is exactly the kind of MMC Adriana Locke writes so well. Protective without being overbearing, completely gone for her, and occasionally saying things that made me need to stare at the wall for a minute.

What surprised me most, though, was how deeply I related to Markie. Her grief over losing both of her parents, the loneliness of hitting milestones without them, and the pressure of feeling like you have to figure everything out without the people you once counted on hit me hard. There were several moments where I felt very, very seen.

Gus, Jory’s son, was hilarious and completely stole every scene he was in, and I loved seeing the characters from the rest of the series woven back into the story.

The ending wrapped everyone’s stories up in a neat little bow that was maybe a tiny bit far-fetched, but honestly? I didn’t care. I had fun.

This was exactly the bingeable, swoony, genuinely enjoyable romance I needed.

Jess - Reader of Books

1,200 reviews73 followers

Beg Me by Adriana Locke
📚Play Me, Book 5
✏️Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️August Favorite
Adult • Romance
📖328 Pages
🗓️August 24

💛single dad
💛fake dating
💛small town
💛brother’s best friend
💛rugby romance
💛pickleball partner

[I received an eARC for Beg Me from @authoradrianalocke @teamadrianalocke @adrianalockebooks ]

🔎 “Save you? I wasn’t saving you, Markie.” “Then what were you doing?”
“I promised to go to war with you. And I keep my promises.”

💛Jory and Markie. Markie and Jory. And Gus. Always Gus... this kid is now my FAVORITE secondary character in all romance books. He was just a delight to read.

💛But Jory and Markie were not *just* a delight to read. There was nothing *just* about them. They were everything I love and cherish in a fake dating romance. Everything I crave and hope for in a single dad romance. Everything I wish for and adore in a small town romance.

💛There are thousands upon thousands of fake dating books out there. And yet this one was *that* memorable one. It’s one of my favorites in the subgenre I’ve ever read and one I’m sure will be hard to forget... And by that I mean I won’t.

💛Everything just made sense, fit comfortably, and unfolded with the perfect cadence. I loved the plot, the side conflicts, and the characters. I adored every single page and was glued to this book like my kindle was welded to me.

💛To know them is to love them💛

favorites

Wendy Livingstone

21k reviews264 followers

This is the fifth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Markie and Jory’s story.
Markie has sworn off men, but when she needs to defend her pickleball championships, she needs a partner, as she will be going up against her cheating ex. Jory is a single dad to his 11-year-old son, and he is a professional rugby player, as well as Markie’s brothers’ best friend. Markie aske Jory and he agrees to partner with her; in exchange she tutor his son.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, close proximity, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and heartwarming small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

Kim Carter

89 reviews4 followers

Omg! Jory and Markie were absolutely perfect!!! Addy, you did it yet again!! Jory is the perfect single dad, golden retriever and Markie fits him just perfectly! Love the fake dating that turned to real dating with some quickness! The chemistry was off the charts, and the shenanigans with Gus were too cute!! Jory is the best kind of protective alpha male! Love seeing all of the characters of this series come together as such a found family!!

The Rampant Reader

467 reviews14 followers

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-copy.

“If you get on your knees, begging isn’t what you’ll be doing.”

Vibes: summer loving

Jory may be one of my favorite MMCs in this series. He is just so darn sweet and all around good guy. His son is the perfect wingman, I can see where all the charisma came from.

Tropes:
Single Dad
Fake Dating
Fling
Small Town
Pickleball + Rugby
Found Family

Michellelovesreading

1,757 reviews194 followers

This book had all of my favorite tropes. This is the fifth book in the play me series and i enjoyed it so much.

Tropes:
Small town
Single dad
She tutors his son
Fake dating
Brothers best friend
Spicy lessons

stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ashley

712 reviews80 followers

arc-s brothers-best-friend fake-dating

Looks like Adriana saved the best for last because this one is my favorite of the series HANDS DOWN!!

When Markie needs a partner for a pickleball championship, Jory doesn't hesitate to step up to the plate. Jory Plath... I love the man that you are!! My oh my! He's literally the definition of if "he wanted to, he would". Markie has always been let down by the men in her life, aside from her dad & grandad, and Jory is determined to be the best for her. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are SO freaking good together. Like, I love them so much.

Jory's son, Gus, is the freakin' cutest. I loved his personality and his fun, meddling matchmaking ways. I also liked relationship that Jory had with his son's mother, Deidre. It's refreshing to see a healthy co-parenting relationship. I absolutely ate this one up and was honestly sad when it was over.

Thank you so much to Adriana Locke for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Larks Books

286 reviews1 follower

August 26, 2026

Dropshot and Banger in the Kitchen

Pickleball Princess meets Rugby Boy. A small town romance set in the summer. Markie needs a partner to put a smack down on her cheating ex and claim the title of pickleball champion. Jory needs help teaching his 11 year old fractions. A deal is struck between the two adults, pickleball partners and math tutor. But it’s clear there’s chemistry on and off the court.
I enjoyed how these characters didn’t hold back. They recognized the connection and gave it their all. The only games being played were on the court. Markie was who she was with no apologies. And Jory wanted to show up for the people he loved. If you’re looking for low angst, small town shenanigans, friends who are family, an 11 year old who plays matchmaker, fake dating to stick it to a cheating no good ex, spicy bed times, and a happily ever after that makes you grin like a possum give this a go!

Patti Lucas

819 reviews24 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I absolutely loved Markie and Jory’s summer fling love story! Beg Me by Adriana Locke; it is an incredible small-town fake dating/brother’s friend love story. Beg Me was a bittersweet book for me, it is the fifth and final book in her Play Me series. Adriana Locke continues to prove that she is an amazing storyteller, and a one click must read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put Beg Me down, and I loved every moment on every page. Beg Me was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently, I could not put it down. I love that Adriana Locke continues to write the books that I love to read, and that she always chooses dialogue that stays true to her characters. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? Beg Me is a faking dating love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Beg Me is the story of Jory Plath, Tennessee Royals rugby player and father of eleven-year-old on, Augustus “Gus” and Marcia “Markie” St. James. Gus meets Markie at a booth at the Sugar Creek farmers market and then introduces Jory to Markie. Markie is looking for a partner to defend her Sugar Days Pickleball Tournament crown. Conversation between Markie and Jory flows so easily, from their bickering to playful banter and innuendos that even flow through the text stream between them. Jory agrees to be Markie’s pickleball partner in return she will tutor Gus in math. I love Markie’s relationship with Gus; it is one of my favorite parts of the story. Both Markie and Jory share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before. Markie shares about her childhood and her parents’ deaths, while Jory shares about his father’s his father’s death and only recently learning that he had a son with a college girlfriend. Markie’s last boyfriend, Jasper cheated on her, leading her to have trust to issues, and the real reason why she wants to win the pickleball tournament, since Jasper will be partnering with his new girlfriend. Markie suffers from insecurities because of her upbringing and is not sure that she can trust any man. Jory is best friends with Markie’s half-brother, Miles. Markie has a difficult relationship with Miles. I love the chemistry between Markie and Jory and how it changes with their meals, pickleball practices and math tutoring sessions. As Markie and Jory spend time together “fake” dating things quickly change between them, neither is willing to admit their true feelings for one another. Another favorite part is the nicknames that they have for one another, “rugby boy” and “pickleball girl.” I love all the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in Beg Me, especially the one between Markie and Jory when they discuss his future plans after his retires from rugby, and Markie and her friends. Some are truly heartbreaking. A heartbreaking plot twist changes everything between Markie, and Jory and puts their relationship in jeopardy when Markie believes that Jory is telling her goodbye. I love how Gus convinces Jory to go after his future step-mother, and everything that Jory does to get back together with Markie. I love that they finally admit their feelings for one another. I love all the changes that Markie is willing to make in her life and realizations that occur to her. I loved that Beg Me is more than just a romance, there are issues that both Markie and Jory are facing that need to be resolved to have a life with one another. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love the ending of their love story, Jory’s proposal, and how the epilogue is the perfect ending to their love story and the series. I love all the surprises that are revealed in the epilogue, it was my favorite part of the story. Another favorite part of the story is how Adriana Locke incorporates the title of the book into Markie and Jory’s love story. I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love how Adriana Locke always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Adriana Locke continues to deliver all that and so much more. Beg Me is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in an Adriana Locke love story. I especially love the moments that had me laughing. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Beg Me, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between Jory and Gus, Gray, Drake, Brooks, and Hartley, and Markie’s relationship with her sister, Mira, and her friends Astrid, Audrey, Gianna, and Nettie and their group chat, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I loved catching up with all the characters in the series, the weddings, engagements, and surprise pregnancies. I loved all the characters in Beg Me; it was an incredible farewell to Sugar Creek. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Beg Me, who does not love a single father/fake dating/brother’s friend love story. Highly recommend this incredible love. Received an advanced readers copy from the author.

Alison

491 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Come for the tropes and stay for… well, all of it.

Because Brother’s Best Friend. Fake Dating. Single Dad. Small Town. And then you add he wears a backwards hat, she tutors his son in math, he helps her beat her ex at pickleball, and that delicious “touch her and seriously regret it” moment? Yeah. Adriana Locke knows exactly how to get me to pick up a book and be first in line.

And then there are the Rugby Boy and the Pickleball Princess.

Markie St. James is the pickleball princess, and the pickleball tournament stops for no one! Against her better judgment, she needs Jory to play with her. Play pickleball, people! I'm talking about pickleball. There was no pun intended but… 🌶️

Markie is independent, high-spirited, smart, hardworking, fierce, loyal, and kind. She's easy to like, but she's also got a very guarded heart and has sworn off men. Naturally, Jory Plath shows up and promptly throws her whole plan out the window.

And Jory?

Sigh.

He's trying so hard to be a good dad to his cheeky eleven year old, Gus, who is much too smart for his own good and will absolutely steal some scenes along the way. Watching Jory and Gus together was such a delight. Jory is doing his best to be the dad Gus needs, and Gus brings so much comic relief to the story. And then Markie comes along and somehow becomes the missing piece of Jory's life that he didn't even know was missing. And Gus wholeheartedly agrees.

Watching Jory turn out to be Markie's unicorn was oh so satisfying. And I mean it definitely was for her. Innuendo intended. 🥵 He brings the swoon, the steam, and so much sweetness too. Jory Plath is in the business of adoring Markie, and I am very much in the business of adoring Jory. I actually adore them both. Or rather, all three of them. Can't forget Gus.

There is a connection between Markie and Jory from the moment they meet, or maybe from the moment Gus tries to pawn Jory off on Markie via dating. 😂 Joke's on Gus, though, because Jory gives Markie the power and control she needs, and in turn, Markie gives Jory the rare gift of her trust. And I loved watching that happen.

But things aren't exactly simple. Markie's life is in Sugar Creek, while Jory and Gus's life is… well, somewhere else. And watching them try to figure out what a future together could actually look like put my heart in a vice, especially when they weren't communicating like they needed to. I wanted things to work out for them so badly.

And Sugar Creek? ALL the small-town charm you want from a small-town romance. There's something about that kind of setting that just makes everything feel a little warmer, and honestly, small town living seems pretty darn good for a little boy like Gus too.

I also loved Markie's girl squad. Nettie, Gianna, Astrid, and Audrey are total friendship goals. Friends who make shirts for your pickleball tournament? You can't ask for much more than that. Their chats were some of my favorite moments, and I want to be in this friend group too. Says in my best whiny voice.

Adriana Locke's writing style is always a good fit for me too. It's first person, dual POV, well written, entertaining, and just plain delightful. And as always, I loved all the little cameos and mentions sprinkled in from throughout the Lockeverse. If you haven't read Adriana Locke's other books, you might breeze right past them, but for me, they're little treasures. I love those connections.

Turns out Markie was just keeping busy and biding her time for her HEA until Jory and Gus showed up, even if she didn't know it. And that HEA? Yeah. It made me sigh, swoon, and smile.

The epilogue was the perfect ending, not just for Markie and Jory, but for all our favorite characters from the Play Me Series. I'm not usually a series girl, but Adriana Locke keeps throwing that notion right out the window. Her characters are always so hard to leave behind once you've gotten to know them, and getting to know Markie and Jory this time around was truly a joy.

Adriana Locke knows how to write books with heart, heat, and humor, which just happens to be my favorite combination. Beg Me proves that in a big way. It was romantic, funny, steamy, sweet, and just plain FUN.

And honestly? Sometimes that's exactly what I want from a romance. 🧡

Sally

1,216 reviews36 followers

“Besides, this is becoming the story of my life. It’ll wind up on my tombstone. Here lies Markie St. James, the woman who died single anyway.”

Markie hasn’t had the best luck with men and relationships. In fact the only two men she can remember never disappointing her are her father and grandfather, but they’re both gone now. Is there even a man out there who will put her first, care for her, make her feel safe?

Beg Me is the fifth book in author Adriana Locke’s heartwarming, heated and hilarious Play Me series, after Play Me, Try Me, Show Me and Make Me. Astrid & Gray, Gianna & Drake, Audrey & Brooks, Hartley & Mira, and now Markie & . . . well, not sure yet, but definitely not Jasper. Jasper is a sneaky, lying cheater who is determined to beat Markie at the upcoming pickleball tournament, the one thing in her life that reminds her of the time before everything went south. Markie and her sister Mira lost their parents when they were young and that’s left a big hole; there’s no such thing as an honorable man, she loves the little town of Sugar Creek but still feels unsettled, and now Jasper and his new girlfriend are trying to steal the tournament. Markie needs a new pickleball partner – stat.

Markie manages the Sugar Creek Farmers’ Market, among many other jobs. While manning the jam booth a wisecracking, flirty, adorable little boy approaches her and begs her to rescue him. He has a “new dad” who wants to spend so much time him that Gus is being smothered. Sorry, buddy, but Markie has sworn off men for life. Once Gus’s dad Jory appears Markie realizes that’s going to be a hard vow to keep; that boy got his wisecracking, flirty adorableness straight from the source. And talk about a small world: Jory plays rugby for the Tennessee Royals and Gray is his teammate, Jory and Drake are friends, and he’s renting a house in Sugar Creek for the summer from his best friend Miles, also known as the worst half-brother in the world. Arrogant, rude, dismissive, never contacts Mira or Markie unless he needs something, never asks but rather demands, never a thank you in sight; another disappointment for sure.

Somebody always wants you to pick a favorite Adriana Locke male character. Impossible. The one in the story you’re current reading is your favorite – until you start remembering the others and they jump in and out of first place. So let’s just say that Jory more than earns his place as yet another Favorite Locke-Created Man. And Gus? Eleven-year-old boys can be a handful and pretty irritating but also pretty special. I swear Locke has put a little bit of each of her four mostly-grown sons she calls the “Little Lockes” in Gus; you will not be able to resist this charming little boy who is growing up but still needs lots of love. Locke gives us just enough of the backstory of how Jory learned he had a son only a couple of years ago without making it a central point; instead she just shows us the bond they have formed and how Jory is determined to spend as much time as possible with his son. Which means he won’t be living in Sugar Creek permanently.

Beg Me is just about perfect. Wait, it is perfect. There’s funny banter, hot, hot, hot heat, tender, romantic moments and as always Locke inserts a situation or scene that breaks your heart into a million pieces before she puts it back together again for you. You will love Markie and Jory. You’ll run for the tissues when she says her life has just been marking time waiting for him, when Gus runs into her arms and sobs, and when Jory gets in the car and drives away. And then you’ll smile so wide you think your face will crack. It’s wonderful. Yes, I absolutely loved this book, sped through it in a day and can’t wait for the audiobook. And, yes, Jory is absolutely, most certainly my Favorite Man right now. I received an advance copy of Beg Me from the author as part of her review team. Read it, read the rest of the series, read everything else she has written. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

2026-read

Rebmay

3,079 reviews49 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Do you like stories with lots of heat and spice, as well as witty and flirty banter? If the answer is yes, then this book is perfect for you. Markie is a small town girl with plenty of heart, grit and sass to keep any guy on his toes. Too bad she has sworn off men after her ex cheated on her. She has several part-time jobs around town, including managing the town’s farmers market. That’s where she meets Jory and his son Gus who is a pint size wing man for his dad. Gus wants to find someone else for his dad to focus on other them him so he can have a little more freedom. While Markie is amused by Gus’s inquisition and Jory’s follow up, she still turns down the idea of a date and his offer to be her partner for the pickleball tournament, knowing he will only distract her with his very fit, very gorgeous body. Jory makes sure to tell Markie that when she comes to ask him to be her partner later, she will have to beg him.

When it comes to it, he doesn’t really make her beg him when she asks him to be her partner in the pickleball tournament after the other prospect flaked on her. Being in close proximity and spending lots of time practising for the tournament, and getting all hot and sweaty, leads to the sparks between them combusting. They agree to no-strings-attached summer fling, but it isn’t long before both acknowledge to themselves that they have fallen hard for the other. Unfortunately, her life is in Sugar Creek and his is in Nashville for the next season with his team and then in Nevada, so he can be close to his son, once he retires. Their pint size matchmaker is all for making their relationship permanent, but these two haven’t even admitted their feelings to each other.

This book made me laugh and smile throughout, especially during the scenes with young Gus, who is quite the smooth talker and wise beyond his years. Jory is quite the flirt, but also a gentleman. He doesn’t try to push Markie into anything she’s not ready for, and actually asks her to be sure she wants their summer fling. The last thing he wants to do is hurt her. When he is faced with supporting his son or disappointing Markie, he is torn up about it. I have to say that he is quite the swoony book boyfriend when he shows his possessive and protective side. Markie is feisty, guarded and afraid to trust her judgment and heart. Jory sees all of that and makes an effort to show her that she is safe with him. He lets her shine and raises her up, unlike her previous boyfriends. Thankfully, they both decide their love and a future together are worth fighting for.

This delightful book has my full, unreserved recommendation.

BeeFaith

346 reviews40 followers

arc banter contemporary-romance

“𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕—𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅.”

Just when we thought the Play Me series was done, nope, Adriana blesses us with one more! Markie St. James and Jory Plath—What a way to go out!

Jory's in Sugar Creek with his son, Gus, for the summer. Gus, wanting what most 11-year-olds want—freedom—approaches Markie at the local farmers market and attempts to set her up with his dad. Dang, I just love this spunky kid! He's funny, endearing, and has no filter.

Jory's immediately interested, but Markie's looking for a pickleball partner, not a date, and most certainly not a relationship, even if she does think Jory's one fine specimen. With the right partner, not only can she win the tournament and continue her reign as pickleball princess, but also take down her cheating ex and his new girlfriend. Not one to give up easy, Jory pursues and woos her with his potential as a pickleball partner.

Markie's so lovable, fiercely loyal to a fault, and always has her friends and family's back.

Jory's a doer; he actually listens and responds with actions, not just words. He shows he's invested, putting in time and effort to show Markie how he feels. He's just an overall good man, honorable and considerate of others, something that's been lacking in Markie's life since her dad and grandfather passed. He's ready and willing to show her how a real man treats a woman.

When Markie changes her mind and decides Jory would make the perfect summer fling, he flips the script, yearning for so much more than a couple of months of fun. Who'll ultimately come out the winner in this battle of wills?

Keep an eye out for the begging scene because my, oh my, it's hot! 🥵

Also, that epilogue was the perfect way to wrap up a series that made me laugh, cry, swoon, and everything in between. I'll miss these characters and hope they'll have cameos in upcoming books.

“𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡—𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑.”

𝐽𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒—𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 … 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦, 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑒.

𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑’𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒.

• Small town romance
• He falls hard
• Single dad
• Fake dating
• Brother's best friend
• Pickleball partners

MaddMoxxie

167 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

This was such a fun book, like all the others in this series, but Markie has been by far my favourite heroine Adriana has written. She manages to walk that line between being completely secure in her opinions and not being afraid to voice them, while also being a huge softie with the fluffiest heart. I LOVE that combination. There is nothing better than a heroine who is THERE and loud about it.

I also really loved that Markie doesn't have her whole life figured out. She isn't someone with a very specific five-year plan, just waiting for the right man to slot into it. She's still figuring out what she wants, trying different things, changing direction, and building a life that actually works for her. And honestly, I've never felt more seen.

And the fact that she doesn't want to force herself into one neat little box just because that's what she's “supposed” to do? YES. I.AM.HERE.FOR.IT.

After everything she's been through with the men in her life, I completely understood why she wasn't interested in finding the next wet blanket she couldn't rely on. She's been disappointed enough times. She doesn't need another man who expects her to carry everything while he gets comfortable.

Thank God there was a Jory.

Because Jory really is a good one. A good egg. He has a good head on his shoulders, and the respect and selflessness he shows Markie from the beginning were probably my favourite things about him. He doesn't try to make her smaller or “fix” her. He sees how fiercely independent she is and understands that if he wants to be in her life, he has to show up for her rather than expect her to rearrange her entire life around him. And as much as I genuinely liked them individually, I REALLY loved them together.

But honestly? As much as I loved Markie and Jory, the best thing that happened to this book was Gus.

I'd pay good money for a book that was just Gus giving everyday wisdom to adults who clearly need his help. 😂 This kid had no business being as perceptive as he was, but somehow he was constantly looking at everyone around him like, “Okay, so are we going to talk about what is actually happening here?”

He was hilarious, sweet, meddlesome, occasionally a complete menace, and somehow also the emotional glue holding this whole thing together. I loved him.

So yeah. Fun romance, great couple, but Markie absolutely stole this book for me. And Gus can apparently steal his own book too if anyone wants to hand him a microphone and let him run the show.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest review.

Veronica Pham

261 reviews19 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

•Jory & Markie
Play Me series book 5

*I was provided an ARC of this book from the author and their promotion team

Just when I thought this series could not get any better, Adriana gives us Jory Plath and WHAT A MAN he is!!!

After learning he's a father just a couple years ago, Jory Plath and his son Gus are in the small town of Sugar Creek, TN for the summer. Jory's time with his son is limited due being a professional rugby player and Gus living full time with his mother in during the school year. Small town living could be the respite they both need, but what they never expected was Markie St. James. Sugar Creek has been Markie's home for a long time. She's the town's renaissance woman and reigning pickleball tournament queen. From their first encounter, Markie was charmed by Jory and Gus, but she's sworn off men, no matter how attractive Jory is or how instant their chemistry was. With the annual pickleball tournament coming up, and Markie is left with no pickleball partner yet again, her desperation leads her to Jory's door to ask for her help. Not only does Jory agrees to be Markie's partner in exchange of her tutoring Gus in math, but they find themselves in a fake relationship to save face in front of Markie's cheating ex. With each practice and tutoring session, the lines of fake dating begin to blur, and bricks that keep Markie's heart so guarded begin to fall...

I really thought I had my fav couple of the series locked in, but DAMN Jory and Markie came in and stole the throne!! Markie St. James is truly an FMC you cannot help but fall in love with! She is independent, fierce, takes no nonsense, but also has the same insecurities every woman who hasn't put down roots feels. (which is so relatable) She was so genuine and witty in the best way. Now, Jory Plath, ladies and gentle, came to steal hearts!! This man and his son will own my heart forever!! Jory is an emotionally intelligent KING, and they way he constantly supported Markie and matched her pace was SWOON! Also, the way he loved his son and respected him as a person and not just a kid was so sweet to read! Gus stole the show in this story in my opinion! He'll go down as one my favorite kids I've ever read in a book! His charm and sweetness were next level and the scenes with the 3 of them were some of my favs! I had the best time eating up this story and I will forever scream about this couple and this series!

Mala

138 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

Of all of Adriana Locke’s men, Jory is the one I didn’t know I wanted, but the one I needed the most. Because, seriously, what kind of beautiful man is this? Jory is literally a unicorn. Absolutely perfect in every possible way—as a dad, a friend, a lover, and, above all, a partner. ❤️

I loved him from his very first interaction with Markie. From that moment on, there was something different about them, and their chemistry never once felt forced. They’re one of those couples who simply fit together. Even when they start with an arrangement that’s supposedly meant to be simple: he helps her defend her pickleball championship, and she helps him with his son, it’s impossible not to see where things are headed.

And Jory… JORY. 🫠 He’s the kind of hero who makes you wonder why fictional men can’t all come like this. He’s thoughtful, patient, protective without ever being controlling, and has that perfect combination of confidence and tenderness that completely melted me. But what I loved most was seeing him as a dad. His relationship with Gus adds such a beautiful dimension to his character and makes it even more obvious that we’re not dealing with your typical gorgeous athlete who only knows how to be sexy. This man has it ALL.

I also absolutely loved Markie. I loved watching her try to convince herself that Jory was exactly the kind of man she should stay away from, while little by little realizing that maybe the problem was never falling in love, it was choosing the wrong people before. And the transition from their arrangement to fake dating, the practices, and all those situations that give the town something to gossip about works so well because their relationship feels incredibly natural.

It also has that vibe Adriana Locke does so well: warmth, humor, sexual tension, and a couple who genuinely enjoy being together. After seeing the stories of the other Play Me brothers unfold, getting Jory’s story feels like the gift I didn’t even know I was waiting for.

There’s something especially satisfying about watching a man who doesn’t need to be convinced to love the heroine. Jory knows what he wants, takes care of the people he loves, and when it comes to Markie, he simply gives himself completely to the relationship. That kind of yearning and devotion is exactly my weakness.

rosesreadsromance

130 reviews10 followers

🥒🏓 "I love him. I fell in love with the single dad who came into my life and turned it upside down with his amazing pickleball skills and wicked sense of humor.
My temporary unicorn with a crooked smile and enormous... heart." 🧡

"Love her but leave her wild." — Atticus 🤍

“You are the Pickleball Princess.”
“You’re dam* right I am.” 👑🥒🏓
I honestly think this perfectly describes the FMC... and maybe even the whole book 😂🤭

Markie is beautiful, confident, sassy, and a little cocky, and I absolutely love her for it 🎩 She knows what she wants and goes after it with unwavering determination, never letting anyone or anything stand in her way 🔥 After being betrayed by her ex, she has one goal in mind: revenge—and she plans to get it by winning the pickleball tournament 😏🏆

Then there’s Jory 😍 He’s a handsome professional rugby player, a single dad, and more than happy to become Markie’s tournament partner and help her achieve her goal 😁 I absolutely love what a wonderful father he is. He’s patient, understanding, helpful, and incredibly supportive 🥹❤️

And Gus? What an absolute legend! 😂 He’s the ultimate wingman—confident, brave, direct, and always ready to get involved. I loved every moment he was on the page! 🙌

But what I especially loved about Markie is how amazing she is as a sister, granddaughter, and friend 🧡 And speaking of friends, I absolutely adore the girls’ friendship! They’re all so different, yet they complement each other perfectly 💖 They always have each other’s backs, and honestly, they are so much fun 😂☺️ Their friendship brought so many hilarious moments to the story 🤣

And the chemistry between Markie and Jory? 🥵🤤☺️ You can feel it from the very first moment they meet—there are sparks everywhere!❤️‍🔥 I loved their teasing, their banter, Markie’s stubbornness, and Jory’s persistence 😏

There’s everything I want in a fun romance: funny moments, sexy moments, sweet and romantic scenes, emotional moments, and plenty of drama 🥹😂 You definitely won’t get bored while reading this book because there’s always something happening and something new to keep you hooked 💫
I had such a fun time reading this one! 🤩

I highly recommend it, especially if you love single dad romance, sports romance (pickleball & rugby), small town romance, brother's best friend, fake dating and found family! 💛📚✨

📖 Beg Me by Adriana Locke (ARC) 🥒🏓❤️

PP's Bookshelf

2,916 reviews409 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

alpha-hero bada-heroine contemporary-romance

Adriana Locke has done it again! Beg Me is a sweet, feel-good, small-town romance with all the heart, heat, and emotional depth we’ve come to expect from the Sugar Creek series.

Trope Checklist:
* Small town romance
* Single dad / Professional rugby player hero
* Best friend’s sister
* Friends to lovers
* Found family
* Sassy, jack-of-all-trades heroine
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Markie is a total sweetheart—a jack-of-all-trades balancing multiple jobs in Sugar Creek so she never gets bored. But this summer, she has a mission: win the annual pickleball tournament and beat her cheating ex. The catch? She needs a partner. Enter Jory Plath, in town for the summer with his 11-year-old son, Gus. Jory agrees to be her tournament partner in exchange for Markie tutoring Gus in math. Easy deal, right? Except boundaries quickly blur, and things get complicated fast: Jory is renting the house from his best friend... who happens to be Markie’s brother.
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Jory Plath is absolute top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s gorgeous, charming, and fiercely protective of Markie from their very first meeting (and his possessive, jealous reaction to another guy’s name on her back? Whew, scorching 🔥). Beyond the heat, he’s a dedicated father trying to make up for lost time after missing the first 11 years of Gus’s life due to a miscommunication. Speaking of Gus—he is an absolute highlight of the book!
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Markie has been hurt in the past and guards her heart fiercely, but watching her heal throughout the story is so satisfying. The bond she shares with her sister Meera and the incredible, badass group of women in Sugar Creek gives her the support she needs to mend her broken parts.
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The chemistry between Markie and Jory is electric right from the start, but the real journey is watching them navigate their emotional connection. Jory learns that being a great dad doesn't mean sacrificing his own happiness, while Markie realizes that men like Jory exist—men who will protect her heart at all costs.The HEAs in this book (and the cute tie-ins for other characters) made my heart so full. Sugar Creek officially feels like the best place on earth.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Amy

1,602 reviews36 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

“I came here to learn to be a father, and I’ve accidentally found what could’ve been my home.”

I knew within the first few pages that Beg Me was going to be one of those romances that completely sweeps me off my feet—and I was absolutely right. It’s an utter delight from start to finish. Jory, Markie, and Gus (who absolutely deserves his own spotlight) are charming, hilarious, and so irresistibly lovable that you can’t help but fall headfirst for all three of them. I devoured this fake dating romance in a single day because putting it down simply wasn’t an option.

The setup is already perfection: Jory agrees to be Markie’s pickleball partner so she can take down her cheating ex in an upcoming tournament, and in exchange, Markie tutors his son, Gus, in math. It’s supposed to be simple—practical, mutually beneficial, no feelings involved. But the crackling chemistry between Jory and Markie makes “simple” impossible. Their flirty banter is electric, their dynamic is effortless, and the moment Jory steps in to defend Markie from her ex and declares that he is her boyfriend, gossip spreads quickly in their small town. Suddenly their tidy little arrangement becomes wonderfully complicated, and neither of them is particularly good at pretending those feelings aren’t simmering just beneath the surface.

I adored these characters. Markie is snarky, sharp, and full of heart—someone who gives so much even when she’s been hurt. Jory is the quiet, steady presence she didn’t realize she needed, the kind of man who rebuilds trust not with grand gestures but with consistency, gentleness, and genuine care. Together, they’re honest and vulnerable in ways that feel deeply human, yet they still have so much fun and personality that every scene sparkles.

Beg Me is packed with charm, humor, heart, and a surprising amount of heat. It’s the kind of romance that makes you grin, swoon, and root for every single character. And while I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to this series, that epilogue warmed my heart—and left me hoping we haven’t seen the last of this delightful crew.

Tara

158 reviews2 followers

Beg Me was exactly the kind of romance I want when I’m craving something funny, sweet, steamy, and just plain FUN.

Markie St. James has sworn off men, and honestly, you can’t blame her. She’s been disappointed enough times that she’s learned to depend on one person: herself. She likes control because control feels safe. So watching Jory slowly become someone she could trust—and watching her willingly hand some of that control over to him—was probably my favorite part of their relationship.

Because Jory Plath? Sigh.

Single dad. Professional rugby player. Backwards hat. Protective without being overbearing. And completely in the business of adoring Markie. Watching him turn out to be the one she can count on forever was so satisfying.

But we need to talk about Gus because OH MY GOSH. This cheeky eleven-year-old absolutely stole scenes. From the moment he meets Markie and starts laying the charm on thick, I was laughing. The interrogation. The one-liners. Trying to pawn his dad off on a woman so he can get a few moments of peace. Being Jory’s completely unsolicited wingman. He reminded me so much of Cutler/Beefcake from Laura Pavlov’s books, and I adored him.

What I loved most, though, was watching the three of them slowly fit together. Markie tutors Gus, Jory helps Markie defend her pickleball championship against her cheating ex, fake dating gets thrown into the mix, and somewhere along the way their little arrangement starts feeling very real.

Jory gives Markie the security and control she needs, and Markie gives him something she doesn’t hand over easily—her trust. Add Gus wholeheartedly deciding Markie belongs with them, and I was DONE.

Beg Me was such a fitting ending to the Play Me series. Markie and Jory gave me the heart, heat, and humor I always want from Adriana Locke, while Gus brought an extra dose of chaos and sweetness that made their story even better.

Rugby Boy + Pickleball Princess + their pint-sized wingman made this one such a joy to read.

Jami Birnbaum

305 reviews28 followers

*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

Talk about a meet cute, even if it was set up by an 11-year-old. Gus meets Markie St. James at the Sugar Creek Farmer’s Market and tries to pick her up for his dad. They just came to town for the summer, and Gus would like to get his dad’s attention off of him and focus it on someone else. Unfortunately for Gus, Markie has but herself in a time out when it comes to men, after her last boyfriend cheated on her. What she really needs is to find a partner for this year’s pickleball tournament to trounce her ex and keep her title.

Rugby player Jory Plath is renting a place to hang out with his son, Gus for the summer, from his college friend, Miles, who happens to be Markie’s brother. He’s also friends with Gray and Drake, which is why Jory picked Sugar Creek to spend his break between seasons. What he didn’t expect was Markie. She pulls him in with her quick comebacks and snassy retorts. Markie keeps him on his toes. When her new pickleball partner has to back out just a few weeks before the tournament, Markie has no choice but to ask Jory. While Jory will be Markie’s partner for the tournament, Markie will tutor Gus in math.

The banter between Markie and Jory is everything. Add in the lure of fake dating, which we all know turns real pretty darn fast. Now the question is if this is just a summer fling or can it be more? Will Jory realize that Markie is his forever? Is Markie willing to leave her family in Sugar Creek to be with Jory? Will either one fess up their feelings for the other before the summer is over?

I love a good single dad story and this one hits in all the right spots. Although I’m not ready to say goodbye to this group of friends this book was a great way to end the series. All the couples from the Play Me series made appearances and it went out with a lion. I’m not sure how Adriana Locke is going to top the character of Jory with her next book… she definitely has her work cut out for her!

Tress

18 reviews

Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions

Beg Me really said: what do rugby and pickleball have in common?

Apparently the answer is a fake relationship, an 11 yr old wingman, and one of the easiest five-star reads I've had in a while.

I genuinely don't think I have a criticism of this book. It felt like an R-rated Hallmark movie, but somehow without being cheesy.
Small-town charm, feel-good romance and all that warm, fuzzy comfort, just with grown-up chemistry and a little spice.

Jory Plath made a serious run for the top of my Adriana Locke MMC rankings. He's vulnerable about being a relatively new dad to 11 yr old Gus and genuinely wants to get it right. He's supportive, emotionally mature and above everything else, dependable. He doesn't just tell Markie he'll show up for her. He proves it.

And I loved Markie. She has a backbone, treats a pickleball tournament like she's preparing for the Super Bowl and despite having plenty of reasons to swear off men, she doesn't use her past to self-sabotage something good. Watching her let herself fall for Jory, even knowing he and Gus are leaving at the end of summer, made their relationship feel so natural.

Their banter was elite, their chemistry never felt manufactured, and while the spice only sat around 🌶️🌶️ for me, the romance was a full ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Adriana Locke has this ability to make me feel people falling in love rather than simply telling me they are.

And then there's Gus😭. Wingman of the year. He's hilarious, emotionally perceptive and responsible for some of the moments that had me crying despite this not being an angsty book. I also loved how naturally his relationship with Markie developed without her ever trying to step into a mum role.

Beg Me didn't need huge drama, high spice or manufactured conflict to keep me invested. I just loved spending time with these characters and watching them become something that felt like a family.

This wasn't a book that made me feral.

It made me feel full ❤️

Easy five stars.

Thank you to Adriana Locke for providing me with an ARC of Beg Me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

platform-arc

1,374 reviews90 followers

4.25 SWOONY STARS

This is the last book in this sweet, steamy and romantic series of small town romances. They are interconnected books that can be read as standalone’s.

Markie is feisty, clever and someone I’d want as my friend. She’s a great person with terrible taste in men. She’s decided she is over them all, and her main goal is to continue to dominate her small town’s pickleball league championship without her lying, cheating ex-boyfriend. So, she needs a new partner.

Jory is in town for the summer with his 11 year old son. He’s a pro rugby player nearing the end of his career. He’s got a great sense of humor, he’s a fantastic dad, he’s charming, thoughtful and super hot. He’s immediately drawn to Markie, he volunteers multiple times to be her pickleball partner, she turns him down because she senses she’s feeling the attraction as well.

A series of events happen and she ends up spending time with Jory and tutoring his charming, pistol of a son Gus. She agrees to be pickleball partner’s and then the rumors around town start and they agree to fake dating with added “bedroom benefits.” Their chemistry is explosive, fun and playful. I really love their chemistry and interactions.

The story flew by, I love the characters. I adore the way Jory and Gus welcomed and needed Markie in their lives and vice versa. It’s my favorite aspect of this story.

Jory is super swoony, protective and he gives Markie her space and respects her boundaries.

Markie has great friends and family, yet she feels a little lost. Everyone is getting married, having babies and she’s not even settled on a career path.

I smiled, I laughed and I felt giddy while reading this steamy, engaging romance that has such a cute, incredibly romantic ending. It wrapped up this fantastic series so well. I loved it!

*I received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

Gendyl

244 reviews3 followers

Oh my god! This book put me in such a serious dilemma! Now, I don’t know which book is my favorite in the series! And I thought Hartley is going to be my favorite MMC in this series, and here comes Jory Plath with his sexy, humorous self with an enormous heart and something else!!! He made me swoon so hard throughout the book! I don’t know how Markie was able to resist him for days! I fell in love with him the moment he appeared in the farmer’s market! How did you come up with such a man, Adriana??? He is the perfect romance hero!

I love Markie’s big and loud personality! I have never encountered a dirty talking FMC that made the sexy scenes spicier! She is such a ball of fire and truly deserves a man that will fight her wars with her and choose her no matter what! I’m so glad she found that man in Jory!

I love Jory’s and Markie’s story progression. I love that they are so direct with their attraction towards each other. I like how their character development was so in sync with each other’s. I love that they are always on the same page at the same time and don’t even know it!! I love their witty banter and conversations laced with sexual innuendo! Their story just has this wonderful vibe, but it also made me teary eyed as some scenes tugged my heart. What really stood out to me in this book is how Jory explained marriage to Gus. That it is a couple making these promises to God and taking it seriously. That explanation just really touched me, and the fact that the characters goes to church every Sunday and says grace before every meal. It wasn’t just mentioned. There are actual scenes in the book. I love that the author gave us a glimpse of the characters’ faith and that is so refreshing IMO.

Congratulations, Adriana Locke, for another 5 star romance perfection! I could go on and on about how spectacular this book is!! So grab y’all’s copy now and prepare to be smitten by Jory, Markie, Gus and the rest of the Sugar Creek gang!

LibraryNinja_Beritk

99 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

Adriana Locke brings me ALL MY FAVORITE TROPES with Beg Me- single dad, strong woman, fake dating, real tutoring, cute kid, found family, and small town.

Book 5 of the Play Me series has us meet Markie St. James- a hottie, singleton who has sworn off men, specifically after her ex, Jasper, cheated on her. Markie is passionate about a couple of things in her life: she does a lot of part-time jobs because a 9-5 office job scares her. She’s a RABID pickleball player, and she’s independent AF. She’d rather sleep in her van in the summer rather than stay in the house with her somewhat estranged father.

Jory Plath is a single dad with a preteen son he’s just getting to know because of circumstances beyond his control. As a successful rugby player, he’s vacationing in the small town of Sugar Creek. One thing leads to another, and before we know it, Jory is signing up to be Markie’s pickleball partner to beat her ex and his new squeeze while Markie takes on tutoring Jory’s son Gus (the kid is a total scene stealer). Locke ratchets up the heat in this book 1000 times. There are so many sparks from the get-go, I cannot believe that my Kindle didn’t overheat. Fans of Adriana Locke and series lovers will find this story irresistible, full of heart and the perfect finale for the Play Me series. The epilogue- WOW! Don't miss out on this exciting conclusion -grab your copy today!

Thank you, thank you, and THANK YOU to the incredible Adriana Locke for allowing me to read this ARC early and for an honest review. You turned me onto the world of ARC reviewing as a book reviewer a year ago, and I’m forever in your debt. I will always read any release you have as soon as you let me.
This book is everything I want in a summer romance and so much more.
#HotSummerLove #BegMe #AdrianaLocke #libraryninja📚

Jennie Miller

49 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

Every time there’s a new book from Adriana, I devour it in a day, and this was no different.

Jory and his son move to Sugar Creek for the summer. They visit a farmer’s markets, and while Gus explores, he meets Markie and immediately tries to set her up with his dad. Markie has been burned by every guy she’s dated and isn’t interested in anyone else. When Jory sees Gus talking to Markie, he’s intrigued. Right off the bat, these two have banter and chemistry. When she mentions having to find a partner for a pickleball tournament, he is quick to offer himself as an option, which Markie turns down multiple times.

Markie loves pickleball, and when she learns her ex has signed up for the tournament with his new girlfriend (the woman he cheated on her with), she’s determined to beat him. After searching for a partner without much success, she finally finds one. Unfortunately, he bails on her. Her only hope is Jory. He told her she’d need him and would have to beg him, and now that time has come. He didn’t make her beg, but he did propose that she tutor his son who is struggling in math if she’d be his partner—an easy deal for her.

I absolutely loved these two. Markie was intelligent, quick-witted, and a fiery spirit. Jory, on the other hand, was fun, safe, and strong. Both were incredibly loyal and protective of their loved ones, and they complemented each other perfectly. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Gus and each of them. Gus and Jory were still figuring things out, having only met two years prior, but they love and accept each other completely. Hearing how Gus describes his summer with Jory and Markie and the safety and love that he found with them was so incredibly sweet

I’m so sad this series is over, but what a way to end it.

Thank you Adriana for the ARC!

Becky

282 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author